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Gifts are a token of gratitude presented to a special person. Do not attach monetarily value to the gift instead let your kindness and thoughtfulness rule while choosing the gift. Let your instinct guide you and you won’t go wrong. Gifting customs differ in each country and the colours, placement and traditions also matter in some nations. So let us go through some of these gifting customs.
United States of America:
In the U.S. gifts can be expected at some major events just like Valentine’s Day, Easter, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, New Homes Graduation and not to mention Birthdays, Anniversary etc. Americans are generous when gifting and it is generally seen that they give gifts when visiting someone's place for the first time. It is good to gift them something significant from your home country or baked goods or if they drink alcohol, a bottle of wine would be great. Wrap your gift in wrapping paper or place it in a gift bag.
At their place, you would see a designated table set for placing the assortments given. Place your gifts there. Americans do not open gifts immediately. Do not make the person uncomfortable by asking them what to gift them. It would make the person think that you want a gift in return. You can ask their friends, and relatives about their hobbies and interests and gift them accordingly. Try to gift something that they would like, something that they bring use to.
Asia:
While some Asian countries have fixed etiquettes, some others are flexible in their approach. You need to be well aware of their traditions, superstitions or numerology. Some gifting options might not be taken very well. So, be careful. Some guidelines are consistent throughout these countries.
Gifting is generally a way to show gratitude and thank them for their hospitality or a generous act. In Asia, gifting is a one-way event. So don’t be surprised if you don’t receive a gift immediately. You may revive a thank you card or a call thanking you for the beautiful gesture (the gift). Avoid gifting a single person in a group if you are not gifting the entire group. Give the person a gift individually.
When giving a gift while visiting their home, provide something that the whole family can use. It could be tea, home décor, books, handicraft etc. Do not give sharp objects or handkerchiefs, towels, clocks etc. An umbrella could mean bad luck so be culturally intelligent about the options in your mind.
The presentation of a gift is as much important as choosing the right gift. Make sure that you wrap your gift in a proper gift-wrapping paper or put it in a bag. Red packaging is the best outer colour for most occasions, pink is an acceptable colour, and gold and silver work well for weddings, but blue, white, and black packaging should be avoided because they remind people of funerals. Do not write anything in red ink.
In Asia, it is common to politely decline the gift two-three times before accepting. It does not mean they are unwilling to take. But they show it as a gesture – it was not important for you to bring a gift. Do not ask them to open the gift immediately. They would open it afterwards to not embarrass or lose face for both the parties.
Europe:
In France, it would not be appreciated if you bring a bottle of wine when invited to dinner. As your host might have already chosen the perfect wine for the night, it would be taken with a grain of salt. When offering a bouquet, it is auspicious to include an odd number of flowers. Don’t be surprised if the flowers are counted!
In Germany, if you give knives as a gift then it might mean you want to sever the friendship. However, it would be good to attach a penny with it so that the person can return you and nullify the effect. It would be appropriate to give gifts from your home country in Poland like tea, chocolates, etc. Do not give expensive gifts as they can be frowned upon. Avoid red or white flowers as they are patriotic colours and can hold political meaning as well as yellow chrysanthemums because they are associated with mourning and funerals. Make sure to remove the price tag as it can be rude.
In Central and Western Europe, small and considerate gifts are given preference. Many countries have limits on gift-giving value so do your research first. Make sure to consider the person’s likes and preferences in order to make the gift useful.
Written By: Vanshika Rathour
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